Author: Alexandria Bryant
Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES
Major Program: Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Building life skills through youth programming
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The Kentucky Department of Education states, “By creating more opportunities for computer science learning for Kentucky students, we will reach, keep and engage more students in learning, create a pool of more qualified people to fill existing job openings and stimulate suppressed economic regions of our state by developing a high-tech skilled workforce. Computer science and coding utilize critical thinking and problem-solving talents that benefit all career paths.” Career opportunities related to computer science are growing and the need to prepare a qualified workforce to fill this need is paramount. Studies have shown that interest in science begins to decline in Middle School. In order to address this need, the Breckinridge County 4-H Council initiated 4-H Robotics programs, including a new 4-H Robotics Club to teach life skills to upper Elementary School and Middle School aged youth. The robotics club held meetings every other week with hands-on activities for 18 youth, led by a 4-H Volunteer. Youth assembled and designed EV3 Lego Robots and learned to program their robots along a variety of paths and coding challenges. The program provided opportunities to explore real-life robotics challenges, work in teams, communicate, and problem solve. The program culminated in a county-wide Sumo Robotics Contest for local youth to demonstrate their skills and programming knowledge. The major objectives of the 4-H Robotics Club were 1) develop youth's confidence and understanding of computer coding, 2) develop youth's problem solving skills, 3) develop team building and cooperation among participants, 4) encourage youth to pursue advanced STEM related class courses, and 5) expand youth's knowledge of robotics and STEM related career opportunities. Youth were surveyed following the completion of the program. Results indicated 91% of the participants felt confident building and coding a robot on their own. Over 50% of youth felt 4-H Robotics Club experiences improved their confidence in science class and 92% felt more confident answering computer science related questions. Participation has increased plans for STEM related career paths and courses, with 58% planning to pursue a science related career in the future and 67% planning to take advanced science careers due to participation in Robotics Club. Behavioral changes observed included, 83% of youth now participate in STEM activities outside of school due to Robotics Club participation and 67% use the skills and knowledge they learned through Robotics Club daily. Youth shared, “robotics was extremely fun and educational,” and “through robotics club, kids learn how to code and get more out of their shell and talk to others.”
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